BRIDGWATER UFC star Mark Godbeer is raring to go ahead of his "most important fight yet" against Dmitriy Sosnovskiy at London's O2 Arena on March 17.

Godbeer attended last year's UFC London event as a spectator, but this time he is appearing on the main card as he seeks a third victory in a row.

The 34-year-old is currently in the midst of an eight-week training camp in Thailand as part of his partnership with Fairtex, allowing him to prepare against some of the best in the business.

Taking time out from his training regime to speak to the Bridgwater Mercury, he said: "I'm feeling good and taking this very seriously.

"I'm sparring against some of the best in the world, and there's some world class striking coaches being brought in, so I will be 100% ready for the big night."

Godbeer's last fight, which took place in New York's Madison Square Garden, ended amid controversy as opponent Walt Harris was disqualified.

The Bridgwater fighter is not dwelling on what has gone before, however, instead choosing to focus on what lies ahead as he gears himself up for a night in front of his home crowd.

"I would say this is the most important one yet," he said.

"This is home soil - or, at least, as close to Bridgwater as I'm likely to fight - so I don't plan on letting my home crowd down.

"I'm sacrificing time with my kids to come out to Thailand and train, which is tough, but I'm a professional fighter now so this is part of the job. There are no top UFC fighters that don't spend a lot of time away from home."

Reflecting on his New York experience in November, Godbeer said: "The way the fight ended wasn't how I wanted it to go, but the event itself was great.

"I actually found it quite surreal. It's a place the greatest ever have fought at, so I was trying to take as much of it in as possible."

Another big crowd awaits Godbeer in London, with tickets selling fast at the 17,000-capacity arena - a factor which doesn't affect the Bridgwater fighter anywhere near as much as it has done in the past.

"Every time I've stepped up a level it has taken me a couple of fights to find my rhythm," he said.

"This is my fourth fight at this level now, so I feel I've settled in to UFC, and I'm used to the big crowds now. 

"To begin with I found it quite daunting and let it get to me, but now I know what to expect - I have fought in the biggest shows, and this one will be even better on home soil."

Godbeer was initially due to fight Dmitry Poberezhets, but the newcomer pulled out and namesake Sosnovskiy stepped in.

"It hasn't affected my preparation at all," he said.

"We found out with plenty of notice so we have had more than enough time to prepare.

"In fact, I'm feeling more confident than I have done going into previous fights. I've got the best possible people around me and there's no reason I can't get the win - the only person that can beat me is myself, as I've got a great team here."

For all his success in recent years, Godbeer hasn't forgotten his roots and continues to be backed by large and vocal Bridgwater voices wherever he goes - something he expects to continue at the O2.

"I've had a lot of guys going crazy about tickets - I've had messages left, right and centre," he said.

"I've always had a great following from back home. It's always nice to hear local voices at my weigh-ins, and they always make some noise as Bridgy boys do!

"It can be quite overwhelming. People have been with me from my very first fight at Bridgwater Town Football Club right through to the biggest stage.

"I always feel as though I'm representing the town, as well as the UK, so it means a lot.

"My roots have got me where I am today. Even though I don't spend too much time at home at the moment - it's a short-lived career and I have to be away a lot - my kids and family are still in Bridgwater and I haven't forgotten my roots. Who wouldn't love Bridgwater?"

Tickets to UFC FIGHT NIGHT® LONDON are on general sale now via AXS and Ticketmaster